Open Access

Tessa Finke

• The preservation of water bodies continuity is fundamental for aquatic communities, particularly for fish populations. Various structures impede watercourse continuity, impacting fish migration and habitat distribution. Conventional fish passages often fall short in diverse scenarios, prompting the development of specialized solutions. This article proposes a criteria catalog for these special fish passage solutions based on DWA leaflet DWA-A 509. It discusses the need for these solutions, presents a selection of specialized options, and outlines criteria from DWA-M 509, construction guidelines, and economic perspectives. It scrutinizes criteria ranging from target fish species to cost considerations. Three examples, including the Runserau fish lift, the bristle ramp fish lock, and the Fishcon sluice, illustrate these specialized solutions, their functionalities, advantages, and drawbacks. Additionally, the article compiles criteria from industry standards and guidelines into a comprehensive evaluation catalog. The criteria, when applied, assist in the selection of suitable fish passage solutions based on specific site conditions and fish species requirements. This holistic approach aims to optimize fishway selection, fostering the ecological sustainability of watercourses. However, this catalog remains dynamic and open to expansion with evolving research and practical application, urging further exploration and validation of these criteria through diverse case studies and technological advancements in the field.